cooking-mama posts (Subscribe to this feed)

Cooking Mama coming to arcades, looks pretty unsanitary

by Griffin McElroy { Nov 20th 2009 at 7:30PM }

We hate to go all Howard Hughes on you guys, but we must admit: This touch-screen equipped arcade version of Cooking Mama fills every bone in our body with germophobic discomfort. That can partially be attributed to the fact that we've seen our fair share of filthy hands attached to the wrists of arcade dwellers. Then again, perhaps we just have a visceral, sickening reaction to seeing raw fish being prepared by the aforementioned unwashed digits. Gyyeeeuuuuhhh.

Check out some footage from the arcade port after the jump, then go ahead and cancel that reservation for Red Lobster. You won't be needing (or wanting) it any time soon.

[Via GoNintendo]

Continued →

Joyswag: Cooking Mama 3 and Cake Mania 3 (DS) [update]

by David Hinkle { Nov 4th 2009 at 2:15PM }

Update: That's it, folks -- the contest has come to a close! Keep an eye on your email's inbox to see if you won!

In our latest Joyswag, we're hooking one lucky reader up with a pair of new Majesco DS titles: Cooking Mama 3 and Cake Mania 3. Keep 'em to yourself or pass 'em along as a gift this holiday season. See how you can enter to win below:

Leave a comment telling us whether you prefer to bake or cook
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
Limit 1 entry per person per day
This entry period ends at 2:59PM ET on Tuesday, November 10
At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Cooking Mama 3 for the Nintendo DS ($30 ARV) and Cake Mania 3 for the Nintendo DS ($20 ARV)
For a list of complete rules, click here

Cooking Mama 3 trailer, fresh from the oven

by JC Fletcher { Sep 11th 2009 at 1:15AM }

Majesco's first trailer for Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop features one aspect of the Cooking Mama series we don't expect to see in the actual DS game: the voice acting, which is as endearing as ever.

The trailer features the first look at the game's new shopping mode, which appears as a top-down RPG-style presentation. It also features flashes of the familiar cooking gameplay, including the return of the most ridiculous recipe from Mamas past -- instant ramen. Really?

For the most part, it looks like Cooking Mama, which we've yet to become tired of, so we don't mind. And now with the addition of food with faces, we don't think we will ever get tired of it.

Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop your troubles away

by JC Fletcher { Aug 13th 2009 at 7:10PM }

Today, Majesco released new screens and the box art for Cooking Mama 3, revealing the subtitle Shop & Chop. Unfortunately for us, that subtitle, meant to reflect the new grocery shopping element in the minigame sequel, sounds kind of like "Slap Chop," and now we've got the "Rap Chop" remix stuck in our heads. We're going to be in a great mood all day, apparently!

The "Let's Shop" game, in which players dodge distractions to pick up ingredients at a grocery store, leads to the other new mode, "Combine and Create," which somehow allows players to invent their own recipes based on ingredients used in existing in-game recipes. It's an iterative upgrade, sure, but here's a secret: Cooking Mama continues to be fun even when it's just new recipes.

Gallery: Cooking Mama 3: Shop and Chop (DS)

Majesco revenues up 60% for second quarter (Thanks, Jillian Michaels, Cooking Mama ... again)

by Majed Athab { Jun 16th 2009 at 5:40PM }

Majesco ~~announced~~ gloated yesterday about its earnings for the second quarter of 2009 (ending April 30, 2009). The company reported net revenues increased 60.8% to $20.5 million over the $12.8 million earned in the same period last year. Majesco attributes the massive increase of revenue to strong software sales for Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009, Cooking Mama titles and Gardening Mama, which hit retailers in March.

Last quarter, Majesco's revenues kicked up 75% with its good fortunes also attributed to the same games with Jillian Michaels' Ultimatum selling more than half a million copies. It's then not surprising that Majesco is expanding the brand, bringing out Ultimatum 2010 for Wii and Jillian Michaels Pocket Trainer 2010 on DS next year.

Hands-on: Cooking Mama 3 (DS)

by David Hinkle { Jun 4th 2009 at 7:30PM }

When we arrived at Majesco's booth, it was little surprise that the rep wanted to show us Cooking Mamm 3 first. It's a franchise that literally saved Majesco from bankruptcy, and it's no wonder why the company is so proud of it. So, with one new recipe to try, we dove right in.

Continued →

Wonderful! 505 Games announces Cooking Mama 3 for DS

by JC Fletcher { Jun 1st 2009 at 4:30PM }

We may have known it was coming, but now we have a nice, official press release announcing Cooking Mama 3 for DS. 505 Games said that it will release the latest in Cooking Mama Ltd.'s surprisingly popular culinary minigame series "in time for Christmas."

The new game will feature "over 80 recipes, 200 mini-games, four player multiplayer," and "two totally new game modes." "What Dish Can You Make" mode lets you and Mama create a new recipe from two recipes you choose. "Let's Go Shopping" gives you a shopping list to buy, with confusing signs and irritating store employees trying to hinder you!

Majesco hasn't officially announced a US release date for Cooking Mama 3, but we expect a fall or holiday release here as well. It's basically Majesco's biggest title of the year!

Cooking Mama recipe yields 4 million portions

by JC Fletcher { May 11th 2009 at 8:30PM }

Majesco certainly seems to have cause to party -- other than demonstrating Cooking Mama 3, that's the actual point of its E3 Cooking Mama celebration. The company announced that the five games in the Cooking Mama franchise (not counting the iPhone port) have collectively sold over four million units in North America.

"We will continue to explore ways to expand the Mama brand with innovative and compelling products that offer new entertainment experiences," Majesco CEO Jesse Sutton said in a press release. Some of those new experiences may include babysitting and crafting!

Majesco also announced another milestone that may be of more practical importance: with a $20 price drop on Cooking Mama: World Kitchen, every Mama game is now available in the US for $29.99 or less.

Majesco serving Cooking Mama 3 to E3 attendees

by JC Fletcher { May 8th 2009 at 9:45AM }

Majesco just sent out a very cute invitation to a Cooking Mama-themed party to be held during E3. Listed among the activities planned for the party: a chance to play Cooking Mama 3. What a nice way to announce a new game! The last "numbered" Cooking Mama was Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends on DS, so it seems likely that this latest iteration will be on the DS as well.

It is very little surprise that Majesco and developer Cooking Mama Ltd. are planning another game. Cooking Mama is the cornerstone of Majesco's business, and we'd expect at least a couple of the "approximately 31 titles" the company plans to release (according to its financial report) to be Mama games. Probably more than a couple -- in addition to the newly announced 3, trademarks suggest both Babysitting Mama and Crafting Mama are on the way.

Cooking Mama creator trademarks 'Babysitting Mama'

by JC Fletcher { Apr 21st 2009 at 3:25PM }

Siliconera noticed a trademark for a game called Babysitting Mama in the US Trademark Database. The last time we saw a trademark for a Mama game, it was for Pet Shop Mama, which was just a possible rebranding of what was released as My Pet Shop.

This new trademark, however, was registered by Cooking Mama Ltd., the company that develops the Mama games for Square Enix and Majesco. That strongly suggests that this trademark is intended for a new game. So Mama is babysitting now? The fast-paced, task-oriented minigame format transferred pretty well from cooking to gardening, but will it be fun when you're taking care of some kids? And just how mad is Mama going to get when she has to come in and fix your botched diaper change?

Majesco cooks up compliance with Nasdaq

by Alexander Sliwinski { Apr 3rd 2009 at 4:38PM }

Majesco has regained compliance with the Nasdaq stock exchange after completing a stint of ten consecutive days with a stock price of over $1. When asked for comment, Cooking Mama exclaimed, "RONDERFUL!"

The publisher is known for Cooking Mama and ... um. Anyway, last August, Majesco was informed it had 180 days to get its stock back in compliance with Nasdaq rules or face delisting. Optimistically, buying the stock now at its bargain price would be fantastic if Majesco can find another franchise (A Boy and his Blob?) worth its salt and pepper.

[Via GoNintendo, GamerInvestments]

Cooking Mama developer trademarks 'Crafting Mama'

by JC Fletcher { Mar 18th 2009 at 9:40AM }

The surprisingly popular Cooking Mama series branches out this month with Gardening Mama, and it seems developer Cooking Mama Ltd. has more planned. The company just trademarked Crafting Mama for use with almost anything game-related.

This trademark doesn't guarantee a new game, but certainly suggests that one is in the works. Cooking Mama Ltd. will seemingly not be satisfied until every domestic activity is playable as a stylus (or remote, or finger) controlled minigame under the watchful eye of a friendly virtual Japanese lady. We're on board -- right up until Giving the Cat a Bath Mama.

[Via Kotaku]

Majesco revenues shoot up 75% (Thanks, Cooking Mama & Jillian Michaels!)

by Majed Athab { Mar 12th 2009 at 1:28AM }

Just like fellow small-time publisher SouthPeak, Majesco is raking in some serious moolah. The company is reporting that net revenues for its first fiscal quarter (ending January 31, 2009) are at $32.8 million, a 75.8% increase over the same period last year. Also, net income increased 54% to $4.2 million.

The massive cash influx is all due to strong sales numbers in Majesco's casual games line. Cooking Mama, and Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009 are counted as the breadwinning titles, as the latter has sold over 500,000 copies. Yes, half a million ... you can pick your jaw off the floor now. Who said third-parties can't be successful on Nintendo platforms?

Taito reveals Space Invaders, Cooking Mama games for iPhone, iPod, Android

by David Hinkle { Feb 27th 2009 at 3:55PM }

Taito has announced that iPhone and iPod Touch users can access versions of Space Invaders and Cooking Mama in the app store now. The Space Invaders game available in the app store is of the classic variety, but features "full use of the motion sensor and other iPhone 3G and iPod Touch input methods." As for Cooking Mama, the version available for the iPhone and iPod Touch includes "both favorite recipes from past console installments as well as a variety of dishes completely new to the series" and has been enhanced to "make the most of the iPhone 3G / iPod touch's multi-touch screen accelerometer." You can find Cooking Mama and Space Invaders in the app store now for $6.99 and $4.99, respectively.

In addition to new games for Apple platforms, Taito has also announced plans to support Android. T-Mobile users will be able to pick up Arkanoid and Space Invaders now for $5.99 each.

Gallery: Cooking Mama (iPhone/iPod)

Gallery: Space Invaders (iPhone/iPod)

Enjoy some sunshine with Gardening Mama

by JC Fletcher { Feb 26th 2009 at 4:15PM }

Majesco has to make sure it keeps the Cooking Mama voice actress on its payroll. She is basically magical. We love the Cooking Mama games enough to be interested in Gardening Mama anyway, but Mama's encouraging, heavily-accented narration makes us really want to do some fake gardening in the "first gardening game on DS" (which must mean that Majesco doesn't count farming as gardening)!

How great would it feel to be told you're "even better than Mama" at pouring water into the ground? Pretty great. We never get such an enthusiastic "Bravo!" when we spray stuff on plants. We could use more of that kind of feedback in our lives.